They currently sit atop the Premier League table, nine points clear of the ‘favourites’ for the title and most recently completed a 4-0 demolition of one of their prime London rivals in Tottenham Hotspur; Chelsea and Jose Mourinho can simply no longer deny they are the favourites for the Premier League title this year. With just nine games left of their season, Chelsea can begin to implement the one game at a time philosophy and use the star power in their ranks to widen the four point gulf that currently sets them apart from second-placed Liverpool.

Sure, Man City have been the bookies’ favourites all season long until last weekend, having only just drifted out to an average 15/8 in the market. The Citizens also have three games in hand to recover the nine point gap they are currently facing and should they achieve maximum points they will almost certainly move back into pole position for the title. Continue reading →

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has established himself as one of the important members of the squad in the last few years. His position has improved even more after the arrival of Jose Mourinho. Despite being a versatile player and capable of playing as a centre back, Ivanovic has been used in the right back position throughout this campaign. Apart from a month when he was out with injury, he has virtually played in every match for Chelsea. This great run of form has seen him be linked with a couple of clubs over the last few weeks.

Paris St Germain are thought to be one of the suitors for his services, but the 29-year-old Serb has rejected any truth in the transfer rumours. He says that he is extremely happy at Chelsea and wants to stay with the London outfit for as long as he can. The impressive form of Ivanovic this campaign has made Caesar Azpilicueta play at left back, which has eventually seen Ashley Cole drop to the bench. Ahead of the international friendly for Serbia with the Republic of Ireland, Ivanovic stated his desire to remain a Chelsea player in the near future.

Ivanovic has also revealed that the club can certainly win the league title ahead of Aleksandar Kolarov’s – his international teammate – Manchester City team.

“I can say this is the happiest I have been at Chelsea because, at the moment, the team is doing well and things are going right for us. We have improved as a team since the beginning of the season, it looks like we are a very strong team but we have the potential to make and build an amazing team. We are here together to help our national team and that is what we are focused on. We don’t talk a lot about the league,” said Ivanovic.

Chelsea star Eden Hazard is sticking to Jose Mourinho’s ‘underdog’ script, despite the Blues now being seven points clear of Liverpool at the top of the table and favourites with Paddy Power to win the Premier League.

Chelsea’s early exit from the FA Cup meant that they were able to pull further clear this weekend whilst their rivals enjoyed a rest (in the case of Liverpool) or endured a humiliating cup defeat (in Manchester City’s case). Continue reading →